The 2018 historical drama Outlaw King, directed by David Mackenzie, tells the story of Robert the Bruce, the Scottish noble who led Scotland’s fight for independence against England in the early 14th century. The film provides an action-packed and dramatic retelling of a crucial chapter in Scottish history, following Robert’s journey from a reluctant noble to a determined warrior-king. Although Outlaw King takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy, it succeeds in capturing the spirit of Robert the Bruce’s struggle and the brutal realities of medieval warfare.
Historical Context and Background
To fully appreciate Outlaw King, it is important to understand the historical context. The story takes place during the Wars of Scottish Independence, which began in 1296 when England’s King Edward I invaded Scotland. The Scots had initially resisted under the leadership of William Wallace, whose exploits were famously dramatized in Braveheart (1995). However, Wallace’s rebellion was crushed, and he was executed in 1305. Following Wallace’s death, the Scots were left without a strong leader, and Edward I continued his campaign to bring Scotland under English control.
It was in this environment that Robert the Bruce emerged as a central figure in Scotland’s fight for independence. Initially, Robert had sworn fealty to Edward I, but he later decided that Scotland must be free. In 1306, he declared himself King of Scots and led a rebellion against English rule. The film follows his journey from his coronation to his eventual triumph over the English at the Battle of Loudoun Hill in 1307.
Plot Summary
The film begins in 1304, with Robert the Bruce (played by Chris Pine) and other Scottish nobles reluctantly submitting to King Edward I (Stephen Dillane) after a failed rebellion. The English king grants them lands and titles but keeps a firm grip on Scotland. However, Robert soon realizes that peace under English rule is an illusion, as Edward imposes harsh taxes and punishes any sign of Scottish resistance.
When the rightful heir to the Scottish throne dies without an heir, Robert sees an opportunity to claim the crown and rally the Scots against English rule. However, his path to kingship is fraught with challenges. He must first eliminate his rival, John Comyn, a noble with a competing claim to the throne. After Robert kills Comyn in a church—an act that brands him an outlaw—he is forced to flee and gather support for his cause.
The film follows Robert and his small band of loyal followers as they fight against overwhelming odds. His wife, Elizabeth de Burgh (Florence Pugh), is captured by the English, and his brothers are executed. Forced into hiding, Robert endures great hardship but slowly rebuilds his army. The climactic battle at Loudoun Hill in 1307 is depicted as a turning point, where Robert uses guerrilla tactics to defeat a much larger English force. The film ends on a hopeful note, setting the stage for Robert’s later victories, although it does not depict his ultimate triumph at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Themes and Characterization
One of the central themes of Outlaw King is resilience in the face of adversity. Robert the Bruce is portrayed as a determined leader who refuses to surrender, even when faced with overwhelming odds. His transformation from a cautious noble to a fearless warrior-king is a compelling character arc that drives the film forward.
The film also explores the theme of sacrifice. Robert loses his family, his lands, and his security in his quest for Scottish independence. His wife, Elizabeth, is imprisoned and humiliated by the English, yet she remains steadfast in her support of Robert’s cause. The loyalty of Robert’s followers, particularly his close ally James Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), highlights the camaraderie and shared struggle of the Scottish resistance.
Another important theme is the brutality of medieval warfare. The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of combat, with intense battle sequences that showcase the gore and chaos of 14th-century warfare. The violence serves to emphasize the stakes of Robert’s fight and the sacrifices made by those who followed him.
Historical Accuracy and Liberties
While Outlaw King strives to be historically accurate in many respects, it does take certain liberties for dramatic effect. One major deviation from historical events is the timeline. The film condenses several years of conflict into a shorter period, making it seem as though Robert’s rebellion gained momentum more quickly than it actually did.
The portrayal of Edward I and his son, the future Edward II, is also somewhat exaggerated. Edward I is depicted as a ruthless and tyrannical ruler, which is not entirely inaccurate, but the film paints him as almost cartoonishly evil. Meanwhile, Edward II (Billy Howle) is portrayed as weak and ineffective, which does not fully align with historical records.
Additionally, the film omits some of Robert the Bruce’s early setbacks. In reality, after he was crowned king in 1306, he suffered a series of crushing defeats and was forced into exile. His struggle was much longer and more arduous than the film suggests. Nevertheless, these omissions help streamline the narrative and maintain a fast-paced, engaging story.
Cinematography and Direction
David Mackenzie’s direction and Barry Ackroyd’s cinematography give Outlaw King a visually stunning and immersive feel. The film was shot on location in Scotland, and the breathtaking landscapes add to its authenticity. The battle scenes are particularly well-executed, using a combination of handheld camerawork and sweeping shots to capture both the chaos of combat and the grandeur of the Scottish countryside.
The film’s pacing is relatively tight, although some critics felt that the early parts of the movie could have been more developed. Originally, Outlaw King was over two hours long, but it was trimmed down after its initial screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. While this helped streamline the story, it may have also removed some character development and historical context that would have deepened the narrative.
Reception and Legacy
Outlaw King received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised Chris Pine’s performance as Robert the Bruce, as well as the film’s cinematography and battle sequences. However, some critics felt that the story was too formulaic and that the characters lacked depth. Despite these critiques, the film was generally well-received by audiences, particularly in Scotland, where it was celebrated for bringing an important chapter of history to the big screen.
The film also sparked renewed interest in Robert the Bruce and Scotland’s fight for independence. While Braveheart had introduced many viewers to the story of William Wallace, Outlaw King provided a more historically grounded depiction of Scotland’s struggle. It also helped highlight the contributions of figures like James Douglas and Elizabeth de Burgh, who played crucial roles in Robert’s campaign.
Conclusion
Outlaw King is an engaging and visually stunning film that brings the story of Robert the Bruce to a global audience. While it takes some creative liberties with historical accuracy, it captures the essence of Scotland’s fight for independence and the resilience of its people. The film’s themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance make it a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and medieval warfare.
Though Robert’s ultimate victory at Bannockburn is not shown in the film, his triumph in 1307 marked the beginning of Scotland’s long road to independence. Outlaw King successfully portrays him as a determined and heroic figure whose legacy continues to inspire. Whether viewed as a history lesson or an epic adventure, the film serves as a worthy tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest leaders.
